Many folks have asked for it, and I’m beyond delighted to announce that the first ever Brainjo camp is happening soon!
WHAT: The [first ever!] Brainjo Camp!
WHEN: November 9-12, 2017.
WHERE: Hiawassee, Georgia (North Georgia mountains)
UPDATE 10.4.17 – the camp has sold out. However, there are plans for more! The next camp is tentatively scheduled for Spring 2018, so stay tuned!
This inaugural camp I’m keeping small and intimate, so spots are limited, and are first come, first serve (they are being offered to current Breakthrough Banjo members first).
Players of all experience levels are welcome! The only prerequisite is that you have the basics of the clawhammer technique down. The instructional content will be tailored to suit the ability and experience of those who attend.
Activities
We will do all manner of amazing banjo related things at the camp, including:
- small group and individual instruction
- concerts by instructors
- jamming (for all levels of experience)
- the eating of wondrous food
- free time for fraternizing, tomfoolery, and general revelry
Instructors
I’m extremely pleased to announce that the instructors will be myself, Adam Hurt, and Luke Abbott.
As you know, it was critically important for me to have instructors who were not only exceptional musicians, but exceptional teachers as well – a rare combination!
Adam Hurt
For those of you unfamiliar with Adam, he’s one of the most gifted clawhammer banjoists around, with a thoughtful and meticulous approach to both playing and teaching the banjo (learn more about Adam at adamhurt.com)
Luke Abbott
For those of you unfamiliar with Luke, he’s a remarkably versatile musician, and brings with him expertise in multiple instruments, styles of playing, and genres. And most importantly, he’s an outstanding teacher, placing special emphasis on developing a student’s ability to play by ear (learn more about Luke at lukeabbott.com).
Justin Manglitz – camp fiddler and moonshiner
My good friend and fellow bandmate Justin Manglitz will also be our camp fiddler, lending an arm in jams and workshops.
Justin also happens to be my favorite old time fiddler, so I’m thrilled that he’ll be joining us (he’s also the head distiller for American Spirit Whiskey in Atlanta, and I wouldn’t be surprised if samples of his fine work are available – he’s as good at making whiskey as he is driving a room full of dancers with his bowing arm!).
The Time
The camp dates for Nov. 9-12, with the first camp events taking place on Thursday evening (the 9th), and the last events on Sunday morning (the 12th).
The Food
All meals will be provided, the vast majority of which will be home cooked, prepared by my wife Jenny, a former caterer and food critic for the Atlanta Journal Constitution (i.e. she has high standards, which is great if you’re on the receiving end of her culinary efforts).
Your price for the camp includes lodging, meals (Thursday dinner through Sunday breakfast), and fine banjo tutelage!
The Location, Lodging, & Pricing
Brainjo camp is being held on a private lakefront property in Hiawassee, Georgia. There are 4 lovely, climate controlled cabins (with a lakeview) where campers will stay, and each can sleep 4 people comfortably.
There are 4 different options for your bed arrangement inside the cabin:
Option #1: Private Bedroom (sold out)
Each cabin has a private bedroom on the main floor. Price: (sold out)
To reserve this option, leave the coupon code area blank when you sign up (the default option).
Option #2: Loft area, solo (sold out)
Each cabin has an upstairs loft area with two twin beds. You may reserve the entire loft area, or choose to share it with another camper. Price: (sold out)
To reserve this option, enter the coupon code “loft” when you sign up.
Option #3: Sleeper sofa (sold out)
Each cabin has a sofa that folds out into a queen size bed.
Let’s Do This!
All in all, this has the makings of an amazing experience for everyone involved. I’ve purposefully kept this first camp small, so that each attendee can receive individualized attention.
My goal is for this to be the experience of a lifetime for anyone who attends, and worth the price many times over.
After you register, I’ll be sending you a survey that will allow me to better tailor the experience to the needs of the individual attendees.
I’ll also be sending further details regarding check-in time, a camp schedule in the weeks leading up to the camp, along with other materials that will help you get the most out of the experience.
I’m extremely excited about it, and would love to have you there!
Update 10.4.17 – The Brainjo Camp had sold out. However, there will be another one, tentatively planned for Spring 2018. So stay tuned!